Reuters journalists face 14 years in Myanmar jail

Myanmar authorities have charged two Reuters journalists with charged of breaching the official secrets act, a serious charge that carried up to 14 years in jail.

Society

1 min read

The New Arab

10 January, 2018

The two journalists could face 14 years in jail [AFP]

Myanmar formally charged two Reuters reporters with breaching the Official Secrets Act, AFP reported, an offence that carries up to 14 years in prison.

A police officer "filed the case under the state secrets (Official Secrets) act section 3.1(c)," a judge told a Yangon court.

Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were detained in Myanmar on 12 December after they agreed to meet police officers for a meal. There have been global calls for their release.

Reuters said the two journalists have been covering the exodus and killings of Muslim Rohingya minority from Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Authorities have strongly denied claims of ethnic cleansing and mass killings, and the issue remains controversial in Myanmar.